NHL Playoffs 2012: Last Night in the East (April 17)

By Stephanie Lewark

Florida Panthers 4 vs. New Jersey Devils 3 (Panthers Lead Series 2-1)There was only one game played in the Eastern Conference NHL Playoffs 2012 last night and that was the third meeting between the Florida Panthers and the New Jersey Devils.

The Devils made the perfect example as nothing being certain in the playoffs. They quickly got off to a 3-0 start early in the first period which was nothing less than a show of offense throughout; however, it began to go downhill as the period came to a close. Within the last five minutes of the first, Florida scored two power plays goals from Sean Bergenheim and Jason Garrison to head into the second period down by just one goal after being blanked for most of the period.

Ironically, both starting goaltenders were pulled by his team. Scott Clemmensen replaced Jose Theodore just 6:16 into the game while Martin Brodeur allowed the Panthers to come back to tie the game at 3 just 2:18 into the second before he was replaced by Johan Hedberg. Hedberg would allow just one other goal later in the second with a power play (ultimately the game-winning) goal from Brian Campbell before both goalies held the teams scoreless in the third.

“It just proves that no matter if momentum is with you or against you, you just have to stay with it,” the 34-year-old Clemmensen said.